Against the backdrop of major attacks and a tense atmosphere in Ukraine, the country’s Jewish communities are preparing to celebrate Shavuos with a festive selection of kosher dairy products—ranging from family-sized ice creams to sour cream, flavored yogurts, and cream cheese—all produced in specially certified local factories.
Recently, these dairy goods have been distributed to Jewish communities across Ukraine, alongside thousands of individual ice creams that will be handed out to children during the holiday.
Through refrigerated trucks operated by Jewish Relief Network Ukraine (JRNU), an array of Israeli-style dairy products has been delivered to Jewish communities nationwide. These special holiday goods were produced specifically for Shavuos, which begins next week.
The logistical effort includes transport, refrigeration, and distribution—even to remote or war-affected areas. Behind each truckload lies a complex operation carried out under wartime conditions, driven by the mission to preserve Jewish life and tradition in the most challenging times.
This year’s dairy lineup includes rich, hard cheeses, fresh mozzarella, premium cream cheese, vanilla and strawberry ice creams, and sweet yogurts in apricot and strawberry flavors. Personal ice cream cups will also be distributed to children on Shavuos and at upcoming summer camps.
All products were supervised by Ukraine’s kosher certification authority, the UK, which is headed by Rabbi Pinchas Vishedski, one of Kyiv’s senior rabbis.
Rabbi Yehoshua Vishedski, who has overseen the “Ukr-Kosher” certification network, said: “Over the years, we’ve faced many challenges in producing Cholov Yisroel.” The war in Ukraine had halted production entirely at first, but operations gradually resumed last year, and this year, additional products were added for the holiday.
Alongside the dairy campaign, JRNU and the Chabad Shluchim launched a digital campaign encouraging families to bring their children to hear the Aseres Hadibros in shul. “We’re waiting for you at shul!” reads the colorful message.
Each child will receive a delicious ice cream and a beautifully designed booklet, produced as part of the broader educational initiative led by the Rebbe’s Shluchim throughout Ukraine.
